British pubs for the demolition men?

clipped from www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk Pub is put up for sale by brewers Thwaites has announced that it is putting The Victory on Caunce Street on the market. The hostelry, which is already closed, has just had its licence reviewed by the council. One of the last good pubs has gone the way of thousands of others, taxed out of existance by massive rates, Broons inability to see these hostels as decent places of refuge and hospitality. I have fond memories of the Vic as my grandmother's family were licensees here, and we were always welcomed. Not too many years ago it was the abode of Junior Johnson, the extrovert Kiwi entertainer who performed on the North Pier for many years, and who gave brilliant impromptu performances in the Grand Metropole theatre bar, often with some of the biggest names in British comedy. Beer is now averaging about £2.40 a pint. Bar consumption is down, home consumption is soaring with a can of chemical crap being sold at less than 50pence for a pint in most stores. Only a politician can empty a pub this fast. Remember Prohibition?